2017 Design Trends

Design experts have weighed in on the ever-evolving trends in today’s home style and agree that use of space differ along generational lines but style trends for the year remain the same among all audiences.

For millennial renters, particularly those in major metropolitan cities, functional, stream-lined minimalism reigns supreme – clean, open, uncluttered spaces comprised of essential furniture and occasional appliances. Bedrooms are likely to only consist of a bed, nightstand and dresser and the living room is likely to only house a couch, chair, coffee table and a couple of lamps. As Chanel Korby, director of business development at brokerage firm The Nasimi Group says, “There is quality over quantity; the fewer pieces of furniture, the better.”

Though likely to have less furniture, young renters and homebuyers appreciate unique pieces, desire to have their homes stand out and are willing to pay more for what they want. One-of-a-kind furniture pieces and mixing design styles allow for individualized feels. According to a report by Richman Signature Properties, a leader in luxury rental communities and nationally lauded online interior design service Laurel & Wolf, “Driven by the desire to be unique, we can expect millennials to purchase more antiques, vintage and one-off pieces over the mass-produced furniture makers.”

So, What’s In and What’s Out?
For both millennial and non-millennial consumers, experts predict the following:

* What’s in? Marble, especially in shades of white and light gray will be one of 2017’s biggest design trends according to a survey conducted by Zillow. “Experts predict marble will become an increasingly popular material for countertops, flooring and tabletops, as well as in everyday household items, like serving platters or vases.”
* What’s Out? Quote art. While inspirational painted quips found a place in 2016, this trend will be replaced with nature-inspired artwork.
* What’s Out? The industrial design trend save for exposed brick which will still be present throughout the year. Industrial design will be replaced by design that borrows from science fiction – think steampunk.
* What’s In? Color – cool grays are being phased out and homeowners are welcoming pops of color
* What’s Out? “Strictly Antique” The pressure is off when it comes to only pairing antique with pieces from the same period. “No one will be interested in designing an entire space, let alone an entire home, with a strict period in mind,” says Warren Sheets, a high end interior design company in San Francisco. “While it’s great to have a period as your starting point, you don’t have to adhere to it exclusively. It’s more aesthetically intriguing to create a look that cohesively mixes of elements from the past and the future.”